Sermons on Smart Goals:

When Failure Is A Step Toward Success Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 29, 2006

Sometimes it must get worse before it gets better; short-term failures can be steps to long term and greater successes. We must aim toward a long term vision, not merely achieving short-term goals.

When Failure is A Step Toward Success (Exodus 5:1-7:13) 1. Misunderstanding can lead to creativity. "Bell was inspired to start development of the telephone when he read an account, written in German, describing an invention which he thought had the function of a telephone. After demonstrating ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

You Can Have A Happy Family

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 9, 2015

Happiness is not the goal of the gospel of Jesus Christ for our lives, even though that is one of the benefits of salvation. Instead, we find in the Bible that obedience to God must always take precedence over “the fleeting pleasures of sin."

November 27, 2004 Title: You Can Have a Happy Family Text: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Scripture Reading: 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

Released To Bless

Contributed by Jeff Ecklund on Jul 28, 2011

This message is about the truth that we are called to bless. From the promise to Abraham, Jacob and 1 Peter reminding us of that call. Many Christians struggle with the call on their life. We sometimes have an overemphasis on mission/goals etc and forg

Released to Purpose Series III HOTL 2011 Recap Series: Gathering the lost and broken to Christ Restoring Wholeness Releasing to Purpose It’s frustrating in life to walk without knowing your purpose. Good news is that God does not want to keep you in the dark! Peter has already ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-12

Denomination: *other

Immutability - God Does Not Change Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Aug 12, 2011

Our goal as believers is to know God; not to merely gain information about Him; however, we want to know the "one true God" as He is, as He has revealed Himself, not as we imagine or presume Him to be.

Dakota Community Church August 14, 2011 Immutability Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-17

Denomination: Mennonite

A New Year For A New You

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 2, 2012

This will be a four part series at the first of the year. Paul uses the analogy of a runner to describe the Christian’s spiritual growth. The believer has not reached his goal of Christlikeness, but like the runner in a race, he must continue to pursue it

A New Year For A New You Philippians 3:12-14 Ill. Can you imagine what it would be like to be at a track meet waiting for the start of the 100 meter race? Gathered together are the top runners from across the world. Fractions of a second separate these runners. While the marathon is a test ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Inheritance Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 19, 2015

1) The Ground (Ephesians 1:11–13a), 2) The Guarantee (Ephesians 1:13b–14a), and 3) The Goal of our incomparable inheritance in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:14b).

History is rife with stories of murder, extortion and robbery by siblings taking family possessions by force. They rationalize that they either deserve it or will eventually inherit it, so why not take it now? They imagine what they can do with the money and possessions to achieve their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-14

Denomination: Other

Introduction To The Book Of Ruth Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jun 19, 2013

A basic intro to Ruth, discussing its biblical and historical setting, basic story line, theme, author, date, outline, major and minor characters, location and basic teachings with a concluding discussion question about participant goals for the study.

Introduction to the Book of Ruth Series: Ruth June 16, 2013 NOTE: If you would like to have the formatted student study sheet that goes along with this week’s intro study with a helpful chart and a color map, write and request it at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Ruth 1:1-5 – ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

How To Tell A Horse From A Cow Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 13, 2018

Christians need to be of one mind and one love. But too often we're so focused on ourselves that we can't reach that goal. So how do we change our self-centered way of thinking?

OPENING: A city boy had never been on a farm before and he asked a farmer: “Mister, why doesn’t this cow have any horns?” The farmer cocked his head for a moment, then began in a patient tone, “Well, cattle can do a powerful lot of damage with their horns. Sometimes we keep ’em trimmed down with a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Abiding In Christ Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

The ultimate goal of every believer should be Christ-likeness. The closer we walk with Him, growing in grace, the more like Him we become. In order to live victorious, fulfilling Christian lives, we must abide in Christ.

Abiding in Christ 1 John 3: 18-24 Living a Christian life requires much more than church attendance during weekly services. Being known as a Christian is literally to be known as a follower of Christ, one who strives to live life as Christ lived. Being a Christian isn’t merely ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

B.c. / A.d. Series

Contributed by John Daniel Johnson on Jan 5, 2020

Have you ever wanted to change the world? This morning my goal is for us to learn how Jesus changed the world. Because of Jesus, we’re going to learn how the world was forever changed from BC to AD.

Scripture Reference: John 1:1-19 Preached at Mount Zion Baptist Church on December 22, 2019 Delivered by Rev. John Daniel Johnson Introduction: It is hard to believe that in a just a few more days that 2019 will be forever placed in history, and we’ll be having a new year called 2020. I don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Message Of The Church Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 4, 2019

Having shared much in regard to establishing a firm foundation for the church, Paul emphasized the priority of the church - sharing the Gospel, above all else. Grace brings salvation, and then enables us to live for Christ. Transformed lives are the goal of the church.

The Message of the Church Titus 2: 11-15 Paul had already provided much insight for Titus in regard to establishing a firm foundation upon which to build the church. He had instructed him to ordain elders in every city, those who would be able to aid in the leadership and ministry of the church. ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

He Is My Refuge Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 11, 2020

To hope is be human. Our problem is not the absence or lack of hope but what we put our hope in. The goal of this sermon series that I’m doing is to take you on a journey through a book filled with hope. That book is the … the Bible!

Some of us … [clear throat] … are old enough to remember this song. It goes like this [start song]: “The next time you’re found with your chin on the ground… “There’s a lot to be learned … so look around. “Just what makes that little old ant think He’ll move that rubber tree plant? Anyone knows ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20, Genesis 22:11, Genesis 22:18, Hebrews 11:9-10

Denomination: United Methodist

Breakthrough With The Presence Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 31, 2020

Breakthrough will only come in our lives when we enter into God’s presence – God’s presence should be the goal of every Christian. Fears flee and hope rises up as we are surrounded in His love and power

Breakthrough with God’s Presence Thesis: Breakthrough will only come in our lives when we enter into God’s presence – God’s presence should be the goal of every Christian – to experience Him everyday and in special moments. When His presence comes into our lives everything else fades away! Fears ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13, John 15:1-17, Genesis 3:1-5, Revelation 21:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fruit Is Success Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 6, 2021

Fruit is what we give back to God for the gift of salvation. Salvation is what we accept from God, but fruit is what we achieve for God. Salvation is a gift from God, but fruit is a goal we reach for God.

Two young brothers, Nathaniel and John Chapman, entered the Black Bear Tavern, the largest building in Pittsburgh back in 1788. They were looking for a place to sleep in this little village on the Western Frontier. All of the rooms were filled, so they had to sleep on the floor in the corner of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:8

Fruitful Frustration Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

To be human is to experience frustration. It is not sinful to be frustrated, for Jesus was sinless, but He did not escape frustration. He may have had more than His share even, for the more ideals and goals you have, the more you will be frustrated.

Joe Bayly had a change to stay in the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Chicago. It was going to be a treat of a retreat, but then he was hit again by the x-factor. That is what he calls Murphy's Law-the law that says, if anything can go wrong it will. The hot water in his room would not work. He was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20